I never win anything so you can imagine my excitement today when I found out that I won the $50 gift certificate from Photofiddle.com that was hosted by My Romantic Home (well through her review blog). Here's her post so you can check out her site and all of the cool stuff from Photofiddle. Here's a picture of one of her favorite prints done on canvas.

So what did you think of the new version for Haiti of We Are The World? Personally, I love it! I actually got the chills when I watched it. More because of what it'll do for Haiti but also due to the inspiration of Michael Jackson to the song even today. I've read several sites that have made negative comments regarding the mixture of rap/hip hop in it but I think it was brilliant to mix the artists. They have everyone from back in the day to the present. It'll appeal to all ages. Here's a link to the website if you'd like to check it out.

I ordered some vinyl monograms from Becky at I.Show.Off vinyl decor and couldn't wait for them to come in. She had an awesome post idea for Teacher Gift Monogram Pencil Jars. I knew this would be a great Valentine gift for my sons' two teachers. When I got them I was even more pleased....these were perfect. Perfect size and awesome quality.

I found some ABC vintage looking ribbon on clearance for .50 at Michaels. The vinyl monograms were extremely easy to put on using the tutorial from I.Show.Off site (click here for tutorial). Here is picture of how mine turned out.

Thanks again Becky....I can't wait to place another order. I think I'm going to be addicted to the vinyl projects.

I've been browsing different sites looking for bookshelf ideas. I thought this was the cutest makeover. It's an old entertainment center made into a Laundry Station. Now I don't need a laundry station but it gave me tons of idea's for using old entertainments for bookshelfs. I can't count how many times I've seen these type of entertainment centers for sale, cheap, and didn't give them a second thought. I'll definitely have to put this on my 'to do' list.

I noticed this on another blog (sorry...unfortunately I can't remember where) but I ended up finding it on http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/rock-candy-675037/ . You can view the instructions on their site but I'm also listing how I did it.
Supplies:

Get the ipod template by copying this link http://familyfun.go.com/assets/cms/pdf/crafts/RockCandy_3.pdf and pasting it as your web address. It will allow you to change the songs to accommodate your choice of songs. Here is what their template looks like:

I changed our template to four to a page instead of two (save paper). And this is what I changed ours to show:

The same blog, the one that I can't find or remember, also had these great ipod heart stickers on their bags. So I googled it and found them. The entire heart is filled with Ipods. I printed them on business cards to use as the gift tags.

Using scrapbook paper, I used the box of Sweethearts as the template. It just needs to wrap around the box, not cover the top and bottom. Cut the paper so that you have enough room in back to glue the paper together. Before you glue the paper together in back, tape the string on the inside of the paper in back - either side. Here is what the back looks like.

I tied a Valentine Tootsie Roll to each end of the strings (2 ends). These are the ipod earphones.

After cutting out the ipod template (make sure to cut the song box and wheel separately), I laminated them. Using a glue stick, I glued them to the front of the box.

Place in the goodie bag. I found lollipop bags that were the perfect fit at Michaels. Above the drawsting, there is the perfect spot to place the label in and staple it. The reason for the goodie bag is to keep the tootsie roll earphones from dangling everywhere. Tie the goodie bag. Staple the label/tag in the top part of the bag and there you have it. Here are some finished pictures.

I'll be glad to answer any questions anyone may have. I think the kids will have a great time with these. :)

I noticed today that the wonderful site of MaryJanes and Galoshes has a PLAYHOUSE GIVEAWAY....how awesome is that! It uses a standard card table so when you need to tuck it away it folds down into practically nothing! MissPrettyPretty has really put a lot of thought into creating fun educational play. Imagine the fun the kids will have in these.

If you could see my entire home - which at some point I'll get around to, you'll see that I LOVE the fabric by Kaufmann "Queensland Crimson". Fourteen years ago I upholstered my dining room chairs with the fabric and have used it for many things ever since. One of the couch's in my living room is upholstered in it. I found the couch used about a year ago and bought it on the spot. I've made pillows, round table cover, curtains and even recovered an ottoman with it. Fourteen years later and it's still so beautiful. :)

Thanks to ROOM REMIX for their post on Hullabaloo Home Decor Giveaway.

In December they did a post about the textile gift boxes that they had won from Hullabaloo Home Decor through Design Dazzle and how much they absolutely loved them. They have offered to give one lucky Room Remix reader not only some textile gift boxes, but also one of their fabulous decorative textile storage boxes. Please visit http://roomremixblog.blogspot.com for your chance to win.

It seems that every holiday or occasion where I'm asked what gift I would like I can't really come up with anything. Well, since I've started viewing others blogs that has changed. Now I'll start posting things I've found that I have to have.

My first is from Fifi Flowers http://www.fififlowers.com/. These paintings are awesome. I'm particularly fond of her chair paintings. Here are a few samples of the ones I love...

About Me

I'm a mother of four. Two biological sons and two stepchildren. One of my sons is getting ready to leave for college. My husband and I co-own a property management company. We work together everyday and love the flexibility of owning a business. I love refinishing used furniture. I enjoy viewing others postings of DIY Projects and all of the wonderful ideas.